"Chipmunk" loads for a .45 (range report, GRAPHIC!)
 

First-off, I will apologize to all of those who were hoping to see dead chipmunk pictures. Couldn't find any in Central Texas, even though I hunted for days. I will, however show some holes in paper!

I figured that I'd try my sawed-off Kentucky rifle out on some extremely light loads, hoping for useable small game accuracy, powder economy with (hopefully) minimal meat destruction.

Here's Shorty along with the components used: FFF grade Trip-seven, .445 Hornady RBs and .015 Ox-Yoke patches.


I settled on the 15 gn spout, at 15 gns a pop, a pound of powder would likely get you through the entire War of 1812!


I'd used this load in pistols. Good accuracy and around 870 fps out of a 10" barrel. Out of Shorty's 19" pipe, velocity ran a bit higher...


Now, this was clocked abt 12 ft from the muzzle and only generates around 300 FPME... but maybe it would leave some meat if the shot strays south of the head on a cottontail or squirrel! (That Trip-7 runs hotter than the Pyro "P" I used to use.)

Accuracy ran on the order of 1 1/2" for 5 shots at 28 yds. An ok target load, especially for a youngster or high-strung adult.


Anyhow, decent accuracy, pretty good small-game power and great powder economy. A good day on the range and a new load found.

That concludes this range report!

HH all!
BP

Neat report BrushPopper. I enjoyed it.

I've never played with loads that light. Good idea. Gotta try that just for fun.

real interesting. I never went that low on the powder scale before. thanks for the idea.

Nice!! That looks like a lot of fun.

Geez, and I was getting grief when I stoked my 45 up with a 50 gr charge and 200 gr .400"xtps. I had excellent accuracy with that load. and had a blast shooting it. (pun intended).
Those light loads are fun. Good report

My 36 shoot real good with 20 gr. bump it up to 50 and it thumps real good